Art & Design

Art & Design Programs

The Art & Design Department at Mount Mercy University prepares students to meet contemporary challenges in the field of fine arts, graphic design and art education. A highly professional course of instruction, featuring a variety of visual and aesthetic approaches, leads to the completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The foundation of the program is a series of classes that introduces students to the concepts, principles and techniques common to all visual arts. Art history studies strengthen and reinforce these basics. Students work in the disciplines of drawing, design, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and graphic design. Specializing in one or two areas takes advantage of a full selection of courses supported by expanding facilities and equipment within each discipline. Every course provides the artistic, conceptual and practical knowledge required by future art professionals or those who continue in art education.

Art students at Mount Mercy learn to make independent choices in developing a personal, visual vocabulary. The creativity and expression our art classes foster in students is evident at the annual senior thesis exhibition. The works are diverse and energetic, with each exhibitor's work as unique as a fingerprint.

Internships are available in each concentration. These learning opportunities give students a chance to study and practice with professionals in their area of interest. Guest artists, seminars, exhibitions, travel courses and special workshops enhance the full curriculum.

The ever-changing display of student work exhibited on the fourth floor of Warde Hall attracts fellow students, faculty, staff and visitors. Students are also encouraged to participate in off-campus exhibitions.